Your current arrangement works but you could spread it out more with a larger rug, a chaise sofa and two chairs. If you get a reversible chaise sofa, you'll have more options for arranging and rearranging because the chaise will move from left to right whenever you want. Buy the rug last because you want it to slip under the front 1/3 of all the seating and entirely under the chaise portion, with at least a foot or more of it extending past the sides of all the seating. You can "measure" with painter's tape on the floor once the new seating is arranged. Always go up one size if your tape measurement is not a standard size. Be sure to style the shelves with 1/3 books, 1/3 large decor items and 1/3 open space. What's your plan for window treatments?

Thank you for the input decoenthusiaste . All of the picture furniture will go away. It was thrown in the room to get by. We have several big pieces of antique furniture as well that currently has no home.

I will keep your suggestions in mind. :) No thoughts on the windows yet. :/

I agree with decoenthusiaste. I think your current arrangement works but would move everything back a bit. Use your existing furniture to try different layouts. Then select new furniture based on what works.

Thanks er612 . I especially like the second arrangement as it pushes well beyond the fireplace. The blank wall to the left is 9 feet before the hall ways space begins.

Be very careful in selecting a sectional if you have a bad back. They often do not provide enough support. Chaises are especially a problem on the lower back. Often, a bit taller, firmer, chair with a separate ottoman is a more ergonomic choice.

Thank you for that tip live_wire_oak. I actually love the old brown armless chairs we have. The lumbar support pillows are great!

I expect to be taken to the woodshed and whipped senseless :

I assume this was a spec house? I assume the design was not that of the poster, I assume a "builder" tried to incorporate two competing focal points,based on "what people want!!! " ..........and worse, the tv is far too close to the sliders, the built in dwarfs the other intended focal point ( fireplace)

What should have happened in this room is this: A fireplace box/stone facing, at least twice the width of the one in place, and a flat screen mounted above the linear fireplace. No built in even necessary, components can be housed anywhere.

It would be very helpful if we all just admit the REAL focal point in most rooms where a formal space doesn't exist. No gas fire "runs" hours and hours daily. The tv has a tendency to do just that!

One solution? Door the built in cabinetry, hide one tv, add a console to the LEFT of hearth, and a second flat screen above the console and sync the tv's. Run both of them at the same time.

Make the best of this flawed design, get a nice EXTRA LARGE area rug, and spread out!! Put the comfiest upholstery for you nearest either tv.....!!

But the real best , best, answer was as above. Apologies upfront.

THE TV IS to the right of the fireplace, that is the PROBLEM : )

I agree that a sectional/chaise is not a help with a bad back. What is helpful is a supportive lounge chair that perhaps reclines. I don't think I would recommend a sectional for your lovely room. I think a sofa, and occasional chairs with the recliner would be my recommendation. I would also put the TV on an articulating arm to help is work with your furnishings arrangement. Also pull all your current furnishings further away from the fireplace wall.

Jan the TV placement was intentional. A TV over the fireplace would put me standing in the kitchen to view. My neck would never tolerate that ht. BeverlyFLADeziner Thanks for your great input. The current furniture was just plopped down by the movers where it would not scratch the hardwood. We are installing an articulating arm in the built in for optimum viewing. I love your idea of a lounge chair. At this stage, function is priority over fashion. (I have also mothballed all my high heels for now). Thanks for the feedback everyone!

Some inspiration might help

The Bryant Back Bay · More Info